Wells said Saturday's vigil with family and friends marks a path toward reaching closure. Closure that's not easy to find.

Wells said she hopes her son's death holds meaning for the community.

"I can relate to the continuous crimes here in Newport News. Chidren are dying," said Wells. "If we don't do anything to help our own neighborhood, and police our own neighborhoods, we don't have anyting at all."

Taiwo's killer was expected to be sentenced last Friday, but the date was moved to January.